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This position is responsible for overseeing the entire operations of the TOPSoccer Thunder Program. This is a special needs programs so this director will need to be able to adapt to unique situations. The TOPSoccer Thunder Director will need to be able to coordinate volunteers at a very high level.

The Tomberg Family Philanthropies only makes grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations based in the United States and certain government entities or public institutions in the United States such as public schools and universities. The grants normally range from $5,000 to $15,000 and support projects in the areas of education, the environment, health and poverty alleviation.

Open to all states and funds schools. The Foundation normally can only offer support for up to three years for each program funded (so you can apply up to 3 years).

In 2016, they were able to fund approximately 4% of the organizations that submitted Letters of Inquiry to them.

Fuel Up to Play 60

Up to $4,000 per year is available to qualified K-12 schools enrolled in Fuel Up to Play 60 to jumpstart healthy changes.

Fuel Up to Play 60 will begin accepting grant applications for the next funding cycle on August 23. Funding opportunities are available to any qualified K‐12 school enrolled in Fuel Up to Play 60. Sponsored by the National Dairy Council, state and regional Dairy Councils and other supporting organizations, the competitive, nationwide funding program provides money up to $4,000 per year, per school to jump start healthy changes. Funds are used to help your school implement one Healthy Eating Play and one Physical Activity Play from the 2017‐2018 edition of the Fuel Up to Play 60 Playbook.

UPCOMING DATES

Application Opens:Wednesday, August 23, 2017

Application Deadline:Wednesday, November 1, 2017

TO QUALIFY FOR FUNDING, SCHOOLS MUST:

Enroll in Fuel Up to Play 60

Have a registered Program Advisor

Participate in the National School Lunch Program

HOW TO APPLY

The first step will be to select one Healthy Eating Play and one Physical Activity Play from the 2017-2018 Playbook. Go to https://www.fueluptoplay60.com

Current leaders are pictured above, from left to right: Ann Paul-Neils, SHAPE America Board of Directors and ED of New Mexico; Michelle Peterson, Northwest District President (Montana); Gayle See, ED Northwest and Southwest Districts, ED SHAPE Washington; Shelley Fey, Southwest District President (Hawaii).

After many years of discussion around merging the NWD and SWD it was decided by both district leadership councils to begin the process of merging the two districts. Members of both districts met in Boston during the National Convention in March. After that meeting, it was decided to meet again in Albuquerque during the NWD/SWD Regional Conference in June 2017. A joint leadership meeting was held with both Districts Executive Committees and Leadership Councils attending. During the meeting the leadership developed a timeline of events and a timeline for establishing a new Leadership Council.

This action will strengthen both districts financially and there will be a more productive use of resources from both districts. Currently both districts struggle to provide our members with the resources and products available through SHAPE America. Having a consistent leadership will begin to make the inroads to a more productive and viable district. Many states are having a difficult time and with no consistent leadership to turn to for assistance they continue to struggle. It is the belief of the district leadership that by merging the districts the funds will be better utilized and work can begin to develop strong relationships with the members of all thestates.

The Board of Directors (BOD) of SHAPE America will review and vote on the proposal submitted by the district leadership at the August 2017 meeting. If the BOD votes for approval, theproposal will then be voted on by the assembly in Nashville at the National Convention.If you have questions please contact Gayle See: Executive Director-NWD/SWD. gayle@shapewa.org

Advocacy works! Through communication, we were able to get wording for "Physical Activity" to be changed to "Physical Education"! The State of Alaska worked with us to communicate the importance of PHYSICAL EDUCATION!

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SHAPE America Applauds Passage of the

Every Student Succeeds Act

RESTON, VA, December 9, 2015 -- Today the U.S. Senate joined the U.S. House in passing the Every Student Succeeds Act – the long overdue reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, replacing No Child Left Behind.

As a result of today’s vote the role of both school health and physical education has been elevated and acknowledged as part of a student’s “well-rounded” education. Other subjects noted in the definition of well-rounded education include art, civics, history and geography. The term well-rounded education replaces the term “core subjects” that was used in previous Elementary and Secondary Education Act proposals.

"We applaud the U.S. Congress for recognizing the importance of school health and physical education as key components of a well-rounded education," says SHAPE America Chief Executive Officer E. Paul Roetert, Ph.D. "Health and physical educators are uniquely qualified to ensure that all of America's students develop the skills, knowledge and confidence to enjoy healthy, meaningful physical activity for a lifetime."

This is a significant designation for school health and physical education, and something that members of SHAPE America – Society of Health and Physical Educators have worked on tirelessly for over half a decade. Health and physical educators from across the country have communicated relentlessly with their members of Congress and participated in the organization's annual advocacy event, SPEAK Out! Day, to gain support for the inclusion of these critical subjects in federal education law.

Designation as part of a well-rounded education means that school districts and schools will have the opportunity to utilize federal funds for physical education programs — something that was limited under No Child Left Behind.

In addition, school health, physical education and physical activity programs will have access to significant funding under Title IV of the bill. Block grants will be distributed to states under the Safe and Healthy Students program. School districts and schools will apply to their state for funding for a wide range of safety, health and school-climate programs, to include health education and physical education.

Over the past two decades, physical education has undergone a transformation in rigor and focus. It is now recognized as essential to a young person's overall education experience and a foundation for lifelong healthy living. Research shows a positive relationship between participation in physical education and academic achievement. The inclusion of health and physical education as part of a well-rounded education in federal legislation will help to ensure that every student succeeds.

About SHAPE America®

SHAPE America -- Society of Health and Physical Educators® is committed to ensuring all children have the opportunity to lead healthy, physically active lives. As the nation’s largest membership organization of health and physical education professionals, SHAPE America works with its 50 state affiliates and national partners to support initiatives such as the Presidential Youth Fitness Program, Let’s Move! Active Schools and the Jump Rope For Heart/Hoops For Heart programs. In September 2015, SHAPE America launched “50 Million Strong by 2029.” The goal of this initiative is to ensure that by the time every child now in pre-school graduates from high school, all of America’s students will have the skills, knowledge and confidence to enjoy healthy, meaningful physical activity for a lifetime. For more information, visit www.shapeamerica.org.

Each year, SHAPE America recognizes up to two Jump Rope For Heart coordinators and one Hoops For Heart coordinator. These award winners exemplify leadership in the Jump Rope For Heart/Hoops For Heart programs at the state, district or national level.

Winners are honored in front of their peers at an awards ceremony held during the SHAPE America National Convention & Expo. This year's convention will be in Minneapolis, April 5-9, 2016.

Senators Alexander and Murray introduced a bill into the Senate which places great emphasis on physical education. It still has to pass the House of Representatives, so make sure to contact yours and tell them how important physical education is to our students! Read the abstract of the bill here:

Kayla and Robyn have been sending out updates, links, and newsletters to keep you informed about the 2015 Convention in Fairbanks! Check your email for registration links, hotel information, and request for proposals.